All hope is not lost Red Sox fans. The team can still make a move to bolster the starting rotation.

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams has not been shy about making trades this winter. Just look at the cast of characters he has moved so far: Carlos Quentin, Sergio Santos and Jason Frasor. The hitch being that he has been holding tight to his starting pitchers.

Just ask John Danks and a recently extended Floyd.

However, just because Floyd was extended does not mean he is now not obtainable.

Floyd would be under club control for two seasons at a total of $16.5 million. One would assume that the package would include prospects headed back to the White Sox.

The question is, with the Red Sox trying diligently to stay under the luxury tax, how could they make this move work in their favor?

Honestly, I have no idea exactly how they'd make this work, but I have a couple of theories. One may seem more realistic than the other.

First, obviously the main cog in the deal coming to the Red Sox is Floyd. In this first scenario he would likely be the only piece coming over. His salary in 2012 is expected to be $7 million. The main piece going back to the White Sox from the big club: Marco Scutaro, who is expected to make $6 million in 2012.

On top of that, the Red Sox would likely have to part with three prospects to bring the deal financially in the favor of the Red Sox.

Now, I know what you're thinking: The White Sox don't really need a shortstop; they have Alexei Ramirez in place.

True.

However, this deal would be able to give them a chip in Scutaro to move, or they could move Ramirez for more prospects if that is the direction the White Sox are so inclined to go towards.

The second scenario I could see happening is one of a grander scale. I wouldn't label it a blockbuster, but it would involve several moving pieces.

This is where I just have fun playing GM.

The Red Sox send Kevin Youkilis, Marco Scutaro and a package of prospects to the White Sox. In return, the White Sox send back Floyd, Ramirez and Brent Morel.

How does this help the Red Sox? They get the pitching they need, and under control for two years. It also locks up a shortstop for the next few years (and in this scenario Jose Iglesias would likely be sent to the White Sox) and it would give the Red Sox a stopgap at third base until Will Middlebrooks is ready...assuming he is not part of the package.

How does this help the White Sox? They add another big bat in their lineup with Youkilis who can play first, third or designated hitter. They get a solid shortstop as well as a package of players that would likely include Iglesias and Anthony Ranaudo to name a couple. It would also allow them to wipe $18 million in salary off their books at the end of the season should they so desire.

Neither option is perfect. Neither option is ideal. However, if the Red Sox are serious about going after Floyd, those are just two ways in which I could see them getting the deal done.

Having said that, here's to waiting until next year and scooping up Cole Hamels, Matt Cain or Zack Greinke.